An important factor in tidal control is the moon. When the sun, moon and earth are aligned the tides are at their maximum strength and are known as SPRING tides. When the moon is at 908 to the earth, we have weak tides called NEAP tides. The tides alternate in a two weekly cycle. High water during spring tides is at roughly midday and midnight (GMT) and high water during Neaps is in the region of 6am and 6pm (GMT). The mean height for a high water Spring tide is 6.8 metres and a Neap tide is 5.3 metres.

The preferred time for swims to take place is on the Neap tides as the period before the tide turns is much longer and the tidal flow, especially at the Cape, is much slower.

More Detailed Surf Conditions & Webcams for Folkestone at  surf-forecast.com.